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Contemporary Arts

I. Contemporary Art

  • Defined as art reflecting present-day events and societal passions, emerging predominantly in the middle to late 20th century. (Perez, 2016)

  • Acts as a statement on life, ideas, beliefs, and human experiences. (Ramirez, 2016)

A. Characteristics of Contemporary Art

  1. Accessibility Beyond Museums

    • Artworks are not restricted to traditional galleries or museums; they can be found in

      • Public spaces (e.g., train/bus stations, shopping centers, parks).

      • Example: Nicolas Aca’s performance “Boto: Goto” in a church in Cagayan De Oro.

  2. Online Art Sales

    • Increased internet and social media usage leads to online sales, allowing broader access.

    • Buyers can purchase art regardless of their geographical location.

  3. Self-Taught Artists

    • Many contemporary artists lack formal education but are dedicated to skill development.

    • Methods include self-study, interaction with other artists, and experimentation with materials.

  4. Diverse Materials and Mediums

    • Artists have broader access to art materials, allowing for creative flexibility.

    • Technological advancements have resolved issues related to material weight.

  5. Collaborative Art Creation

    • Artists may work with fabricators, carpenters, electricians, and welders, especially in conceptual art.

B. Subject Matter and Style in Contemporary Art

  1. Subject Matter

    • Represents persons, issues, or concepts depicted in a work.

    • Common themes include children, women, and environmental issues; abstract themes also exist.

    • In conceptual art, technique itself may serve as the subject matter requiring viewer engagement.

  2. Styles

    • Abstract Expressionism

      • Emphasizes spontaneous emotional expression in paintings.

      • Example: Jose Joya’s “Dimension of Fear.”

    • Kinetic Art

      • Features moving sculptures through natural elements or machinery.

      • Example: David Medalla’s “Bubble Machine.”

    • Op Art

      • Utilizes repeated lines/images for optical illusions.

      • Example: “Perpetual Motion” by Constancio Bernardo.

    • Performance Art

      • Combines various media and human body for live artistic expression.

    • Environmental Art

      • Engages in spatial creation that encloses its audience, integrating landscape and architecture.

    • Feminist Art

      • Addresses issues around identity, gender roles, and societal treatment of women.

      • Example: “Filipina: A Racial Identity Crisis” by Pacita Abad.

    • Minimalism

      • Focuses on simplicity in forms, often featuring flat surfaces with deep significance.

      • Example: “Precints” by Mario Yrisarry.

    • Video Art

      • Combines moving images recorded on video viewed through various screens.

    • Graffiti Art

      • Quick public drawings or inscribings, typically on walls.

    • Postmodern Art

      • Contrasts modern styles with extreme methods, integrating mixed materials.

      • Example: “Faith and Devotion 1” by Ian Quirante.

    • Body Art

      • Utilizes the body as a canvas or medium, includes tattooing and performance acts.

      • Example: Apo Whang-od practicing pambabatok.

    • Digital Art

      • Created using computers, yielding images for print and display across various media.

C. Types of Techniques in Contemporary Arts

  1. Collage

    • Art made by adhering various materials like photographs or paper to a backing.

  2. Decalcomania

    • Process of transferring pictures from prepared paper to another surface.

  3. Decoupage

    • Decorating surfaces by applying cutouts, topped with finish layers.

  4. Frottage

    • Design creation by rubbing over an object placed beneath the paper.

  5. Montage

    • Rapid image succession in motion pictures to convey ideas.

  6. Trapunto

    • Quilted design in relief using layered fabrics.

  7. Digital Applications

    • Software applications for creating/displaying art via digital devices.

References

  • Ramirez, V. (2016). Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions. Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc.

  • Perez, A. (2016). Philippine Contemporary Arts. Quezon City: Brilliant Creations Publishing Inc.